In Camelot

chapter 3

Chapter 3

Merlin and Ulfius was inside a cathedral, talking to the Archbishop of Canterbury. "Merlin" the archbishop started. "Some say you are the smartest man in the world. Surely you can use your gifts to find us a new king so that we may once again enjoy happiness as we did in the reign of our previous ling, Uther- Pendragon?" he begged.

The brothers look at each other, merlin nodded and closed his magical eyes. After a short period of time he spoke, "my lord", he said, "I am very delighted to tell you that I see great things in the future. This country shall have a new king soon, and he shall be even wiser and greater than our old friend Uther-Pendragon. He will bring order and peace where there is now confusion and war. And this new king will have uther- pendragon's own blood." He finished.

The archbishop almost jumped with joy by what he heard but he was confused and asked again. "Merlin, when will the new king come? And how will we know him when he arrives? How can we tell him apart with the others?"

Merlin only smiled, "do you trust me?" he asked. The archbishop nodded. "With your permission" merlin continued, "I will set into motion a magnificent adventure. By the time that it is over the court will know its rightful king''

Merlin waved his hands and in front of him appeared a huge marble stone, he once again waved his hands and an anvil of solid steel appeard upon the block of marble. Merlin turned towards his brother, Sir ulfius. Ulfius then take out a large blue sword which he then pushed into the anvil. The sword was bright and shiny. Its gold handle was carefully carved and held many precious stones. And on the blade itself were carved the following words, in letters of gold: WHOEVER SHALL PULL THIS SWORD OUT OF THE ANVIL SHALL BE THE RIGHFUL KING OF BRITAIN.

After this the archbishop announced a contest to everyone in the land. At Christmas, any man who wanted to could try to pull the sword of the anvil. Whoever who was able to do so would be the new king of Britain. The whole kingdom buzzed with excitement.

After a few months, christmas is already here, and it seems that the entire world has found its way to London for the contest. The highways and inn and castles are bursting with travelers. Kings and lords, knights and ladies, esquires, pages and men-at-arms all came to watch history being made.

Merlin and ulfius was currently sitting at a patio on a tower drinking tea together with the archbishop. Looking out the crowd, the archbishop confessed his excitement. "Merlin, I would be very surprised if we couldn't find one person worthy of being king among all of these well-known kings and nobles!"

Merlin merely smiled at his statement. "My lord, you may very well be surprised. The one truly worthy person may still be unknown.'' The archbishop thought about Merlin's words.

While staring outside, merlin was thinking about Arthur. He was worried about where he is now. He sighed, praying that he would be safe. Ulfius noticed his brothers distraught look and he nudge at him "Arthur will be here, maybe he is still travelling. I know sir Ector would not pass this occasion so you can be rest assured." Merlin glanced at his brother and gave a wide grin "I hope so."

Many people were walking at the streets, sounds of laughter or cheering and neighs of the horses and carriages were heard.

One of the travelers was Arthur, he was wearing a white long sleeves and black pants partnered with leather boots and a black cape. He was travelling together with his father and his brother. Sir Ector, his father brought him together with his brother, Sir Kay, who had shown great bravery and promise. Arthur despite having great skills was currently serving as his brother's esquire-at-arms. This was very much like a knight's assistance. Sir Ector and the boys brought with them a great staff. They had beautiful tents of green silk that has been decorated with the family crest.

When they arrived at the field where the contestants were to gather, they were not alone. There were kings and dukes with their courts and no fewer than twenty thousand lords and ladies. There were so many flags and banners that the sky was totally covered.

Arthur went down from his horse under his hood his green eyes surveyed the crowd hoping that he could see the person he longed for but he didn't even see his shadow. He thought, 'wait for me, I'll definitely find you' after a while he went back to their tent.

Watching the lively crowd, the archbishop of Canterbury smiled. It was going to be an amazing event. The man would not only be competing on Christmas day to pull the sword out of the anvil. There would also be a contest at arms to be held during the three days before the sword pull. To this contest the archbishop invited all knights who are of noble enough birth, condition and quality to compete.

When the day of tournament arrived, the audience sat so closely together that the field seemed to be fenced in by a solid wall. At the archbishop's signal, a single herald came forth and blew a strong trumpet blast. The doors at the opposite ends of the field were opened and the first two parties of knights entered. They filled the field with their armor and other accessories.

Merlin who was sitting at the front suddenly stood up, startling his brother, sir Ulfius. He was happy and worried, happy that he saw Arthur but worried thinking that he would participate in the contest. He turned around and shakes his brother, "brother I saw him! I saw him! Look." Then he pointed towards Arthur.

Ulfius noticed Arthur and he nodded. Merlin gave a wide grin thinking that he would be able to see Arthur now. After the little excitement Merlin continued to watch the tournament while glancing to where Arthur is.